Zelensky open to ceasefire if NATO Protects Ukrainian-Controlled Areas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the "intense phase" of the war could end if the parts of Ukraine still under the government’s control are placed under NATO’s protection. 

This news was reported by the BBC on Saturday, November 30.

In a detailed interview with Sky News, Zelensky was asked if he would accept NATO membership only for the regions controlled by Kyiv. In response, he said he would agree to that idea.

However, Zelensky explained that "the liberated parts of Ukraine must come under NATO’s protection," and the borders of Ukraine must be internationally recognized as part of this process. 

He added that for now, the areas in the east that are still occupied by Russia could be left out of this deal.

Zelensky further said, "If we want to end the intense phase of the war, we need to quickly bring the parts of Ukraine that we control under NATO’s protection. After that, we can use diplomacy to regain the occupied territories."

At the moment, Zelensky’s idea of putting Ukrainian-controlled regions under NATO’s protection is still theoretical. He acknowledged that no official proposal has been made yet.

In the interview, Zelensky also questioned why NATO membership for only part of Ukraine is even being discussed. He argued, "If only part of Ukraine gets NATO membership, it would mean recognizing the rest as Russian territory."

Zelensky noted that "many are suggesting a ceasefire," but he warned that without proper measures to stop Russia from attacking again, it would be risky. In his view, NATO membership is the only way to guarantee Ukraine’s safety.

Earlier, Zelensky had said that the war could end next year if Ukraine’s allies provide strong support.

Reports suggest that some Western officials are talking about a "West Germany model," where West Germany, despite being divided, was allowed to join NATO. However, there has been no official proposal for Ukraine regarding this idea.

Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, during his campaign, promised to end the war within "24 hours."

On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not commented on any plans to end the war, which has led many to believe that the idea of putting any part of Ukraine under NATO protection is currently unrealistic.

For now, it seems that any involvement by NATO in this situation is being viewed as unacceptable.

On Thursday, November 28, Moscow launched another large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This marked the second attack in less than two weeks.

President Putin described the strikes as "revenge for continued attacks on Russian soil with U.S.-supplied missiles."

As things stand, after enduring two harsh winters since Russia‍‍`s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, it looks like Ukrainians are preparing for another difficult winter ahead.